Minnesota Kids Code

Since being introduced in the 2023 legislative session, the Minnesota Kids Code has passed the Minnesota State House of Representatives in the Commerce Budget Bill after receiving bi-partisan support.

Modelled after the UK’s Age Appropriate Design Code, similar legislation has already been signed into law in California and Maryland, unanimously passed in Vermont, and introduced in many states including Minnesota.

According to Children’s Minnesota, teenagers, on average, spend up to nine hours per day on screens, with 81% on social media daily or “almost constantly”. 85% of Minnesotans say it’s important for State lawmakers to take action to address the impact of the internet and social media on young people.

Minnesota State Representative Kristin Bahner (DFL), who introduced the Minnesota Age Appropriate Design Code Bill with support from eight co-authors, has said: “We can build better, safer products by design. We can balance the interests of business and innovation with that of children, parents, and grandparents. We can do it in a way that does not allow companies to legalize their way out of meaningful change, to protect kids online.”

The Code will require online platforms and services that are likely to be accessed by children, to ensure their online platforms or services are age-appropriate, in their best interests, and uphold privacy by design and default.

5Rights continues to support stakeholders and legislators in Minnesota to deliver for children as part of the Minnesota Kids Code Coalition.